Subject: A Brighter Future - A Better Way
MARILYN BURNS ALBERTA ALLIANCE LEADERSHIP CAMPAIGN 2005
For Immediate Release
Contact: Marilyn Burns
1-780-448-0011 (w)
1-780-707-3403(c)
A Brighter Future - A Better Way
"Visionary leadership is fundamental if we are to create a Permanent Advantage
for Alberta", according to Alberta Alliance leadership candidate Marilyn Burns. Burns believes that we could do so much better with a government
that cares about the needs and interests of Albertans.
Burns' visionary plan for a brighter future and a better way for
Alberta foresees three components necessary to create a Permanent Advantage for
Alberta.
The first is to develop a fair oil and gas royalty structure. Burns notes that
in the early days of tar sands development it made sense to give contractual
profit concessions to developers. It is apparent that those days have passed,
given the interest of foreign investors in the industry. Burns would examine the
contractual terms related to oil and gas royalty revenue to ensure a long-term
fair deal for developers and the people of Alberta.
Secondly, Alberta must stand firm on Provincial rights. Burns acknowledges that
the Alberta Agenda concept was a good start, but notes
that constitutional provincial rights extend much farther. "The Canadian
constitution gives the Provinces rights in about twenty areas, and would include
the choice of whether to prosecute the ridiculous federal Gun Registry law,
deciding who will marry in Alberta, and how health care is provided. These
matters were not thought of in the Alberta Agenda concept". Burns is critical of
Klein's record when it comes to standing up for Alberta's rights. "Time and time
again, Klein has yelled and stomped and waved his arms like a toddler with a wet
diaper, saying he will stand against Ottawa, and every single time, he falls
over and does whatever Ottawa wants."
Thirdly, Burns sees that Alberta needs a principled taxation and spending plan.
"The Klein Tories have become a bloated liberal beaurocracy. These liberal
Tories have gloated with glee over giving Albertans a measly $400.00 of their
hard earned money back, while spending has increased 100% in the past ten years,
and senior bureaucrats have taken a 27% pay increase. The $400.00 is a tiny
start. Immediate steps should be to eliminate the burdonsome health care
premium, raise the Province's personal tax exemption to $20,000.00, and
eliminate the education portion of property taxes."
If elected as leader, Burns' plan is to systematically organize the Alberta
Wildrose Alliance to be well prepared for the next election, and to work to unite
small "c" conservatives throughout the Province. She is also scouting for
conservative talent, and if elected, plans to assemble a team of critics for
each government portfolio. This team will act as a well-equipped opposition to
support elected MLA Paul Hinman, and present to Alberta a
"government-in-waiting" that cares about the needs and interests of the people
of Alberta.
Memberships must be purchased by October 6, 2005 in order to vote for the
leader.
